A groundbreaking top-speed record of 453.91 km/h has been set for an open-top car. This milestone was achieved at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg GmbH track in Germany on November 9th—a day that will forever be etched in Bugatti’s legacy and the history of automotive engineering. Following its extraordinary run, the one-of-a-kind W16 Mistral World Record Car returned to its dedicated team, basking in the monumental achievement they had accomplished together. Yet, the landmark day was not over; the W16 Mistral made another appearance on the track, joining its three world-record-setting predecessors in a memorable moment within Bugatti’s narrative.
The four remarkable cars symbolize the quintessence of innovation—demonstrating not only the advancement of Bugatti vehicles but also the expanding frontiers of engineering capabilities and an ever-deepening mastery of high performance. The Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition; Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition; Chiron Super Sport 300+²; and the newly minted W16 Mistral World Record Car—all have played pivotal roles in solidifying Bugatti’s unparalleled legacy in the automotive saga.
Building on a rich history characterized by elegance and sophistication dating back to the early 20th century, Bugatti ventured into a new era marked by a relentless quest for performance records. This journey began in June 2010, with a feat that transformed global perceptions of speed.
Redefining the standards for road-ready production cars
On a bright day at the Ehra-Lessien proving grounds in Germany, the stage was primed for the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition to usher in a new era for Bugatti with an unprecedented declaration of intent.
For Bugatti’s inaugural Pilote Officiel, Pierre-Henri Raphanel, it was an occasion to draw from his extensive motorsport prowess and experience in high-performance driving—taking charge of a unique vehicle boasting a modified, 1,200 PS version of the Veyron’s W16 engine. With enhanced turbochargers and larger intercoolers, the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport underwent significant chassis redesign, ensuring its impact on the automotive landscape would be profound.
The groundbreaking success achieved by Bugatti’s leading engineers became strikingly evident through Pierre-Henri’s blisteringly fast world-record run, where he reached a remarkable 431.07 km/h. This accomplishment was celebrated with the launch of the first five production Super Sports designated as World Record Editions, featuring the same configuration as the record-breaking vehicle, allowing Bugatti customers to embody the spirit of that momentous achievement.
Unveiling new horizons of potential
Such high-speed records were not exclusively reserved for closed-cockpit cars. Remaining true to its philosophy of relentless innovation, Bugatti turned its engineering prowess toward open-top vehicles in 2013. The outcome was the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition, which was put to the test by Chinese entrepreneur and avid racing enthusiast Anthony Liu at Ehra-Lessien, with the determination to illustrate the extraordinary heights that exceptional engineering can achieve in a more elemental driving experience.
The immense physical demands of open-air performance necessitated a carefully planned design. With the cockpit exposed to the elements, a fortified carbon monocoque was constructed to provide exceptional torsional rigidity, while a custom roof spoiler and intricately crafted windbreak ensured optimal airflow management during high-speed pursuits.
The dedication and passion of the engineers from Molsheim culminated at Ehra-Lessien, where Anthony achieved a remarkable speed of 408.84 km/h—securing yet another world record for the brand. As the domain of open-cockpit automotive engineering was successfully navigated, eight World Record Edition vehicles were produced, elegantly adorned in the distinctive two-tone black and orange color scheme that had become an iconic representation of Bugatti’s record achievements.
Elevating top speed to unprecedented levels
By the summer of 2019, Bugatti had firmly established a remarkable lineage of world record-breaking accomplishments and was poised to elevate automotive performance to levels once thought unattainable.
The Chiron Super Sport 300+ was meticulously designed from the ground up to realize this lofty goal. Featuring an 8.0-liter, quad-turbocharged W16 engine producing 1,600 PS, along with an enhanced thermal management system, it epitomized Bugatti’s legendary engineering. The extended ‘longtail’ design, unique to this model, enhanced aerodynamic efficiency by reducing drag by 40%.
Impeccably engineered to redefine human achievement standards, the Chiron Super Sport 300+ left a lasting impact in the hands of Bugatti Pilote Officiel Andy Wallace. For the first time, a production vehicle broke the 300-mph barrier, officially reaching an astounding velocity of 490.484 km/h.
Thirty units of the Chiron Super Sport 300+ edition ensure the legacy of a vehicle that will forever be recorded in the chronicles of automotive history. Finished in striking Jet Black exposed carbon fiber, with two Jet Orange racing stripes adorning its body, the spirit of the World Record Cars continues to thrive—heralding a new era of Bugatti innovation.
Crafting a record-shattering airborne marvel
Even with the exceptional feats of the three World Record Cars, the Bugatti team remained undeterred in their pursuit of unrivaled speed. As the narrative of the W16 engine evolved, it paved the way for the final Bugatti W16 masterpiece: the open-top W16 Mistral.
Named after a distinctive wind from southern France signaling seasonal changes, this car was developed to pay tribute to the legacy of Bugatti’s W16 models. Much like the natural phenomenon, it evokes exhilarating sensations of adventure, nostalgia, and anticipation for future milestones. By honoring its predecessors while aspiring to establish new record-breaking benchmarks, the W16 Mistral World Record Car was designed to complete the quartet.
The pinnacle of Bugatti innovation has been achieved, with yet another open-top world-record breaker being etched into the annals of the brand’s history.
From the signature Bugatti horseshoe grille located at the front of the W16 Mistral, to the impressive diffuser positioned at the rear, the design intricacies facilitate the swift passage of air through and over features crafted to maximize its performance. The powerhouse 8.0-liter 16-cylinder engine unleashes an astounding 1,600 PS, enabling this vehicle to navigate through the air effortlessly, all while providing a truly visceral open-top driving experience.
The meticulous design and engineering of the production-series vehicle meant that only minor adjustments were necessary for the W16 Mistral World Record Car’s record-setting run. With body-panel gaps sealed to enhance airflow, the suspension modified for reduced air resistance, and the speed limiter disengaged to unleash the engine’s full capability, the stage was set for history to be made.
With selective tuning adjustments and the heritage of World Record Cars imbued in its design, along with seasoned driver Andy Wallace at the helm, the W16 Mistral World Record Car took to the Papenburg track on November 9th for its record-setting run. Present were both the unique car’s client and Bugatti’s senior leadership, as Andy made history for Bugatti and the automotive community by smashing the previous open-top record with an astonishing speed of 453.91 km/h.
Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, remarked, “From 2010 to the present, Bugatti has celebrated the icons of its modern era with top-speed world record attempts. From the Veyron, through to the Chiron and now the W16 Mistral, the unmatched passion and dedication of Bugatti’s design teams has seen the W16 era defined by monumental achievements. Seeing each of the World Record Cars gathered here is a truly emotional moment for me; contributing to these projects has been an incredibly special part of my career at Bugatti, and they are pioneers in their own right – expanding the horizons defined by the last.”
Image Source: Kaukola Photography / Shutterstock
